Nathalie Kowalski
Contemporary Mosaic Sculpture
Atlantic Wave
A bespoke glass mosaic inspired by the Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic coastline of Mawgan Porth
A site-specific commission designed for a contemporary Cornish home.
The Story
The Atlantic Wave Commission began with a conversation about place.
The Clients were creating a new home overlooking the Cornish coastline and wanted an artwork that would become part of the Architecture itself. As passionate surfers, they hoped the mosaic would celebrate the landscape they loved and the rhythm of life shaped by the sea.
Rather than simply depicting an ocean scene the design captures the energy of a breaking Atlantic wave beneath the familiar cliffs of Mawgan Porth.
Installed as the focal point at the end of the entrance walkway, the mosaic welcomes visitors on arrival and transforms after dark as concealed lighting reveals the depth and brilliance of the glass.
Inspired by the Atlantic
The design process begin with a study of Japanese wave prints, historical ripple patterns and expressive sea paintings before focusing on the distinctive coastline of Mawgan Porth.
The sweeping cliffs, powerful surf and changing Cornish light became the foundation for the final composition, creating a mosaic that belongs uniquely to its setting.
FROM CONCEPT TO COMMISSION
01
SITE LOCATION
Architectural drawings showing the house and proposed location for the mosaic
02
DESIGN INSPIRATION
Research into Japanese prints, coastal landscapes and surf culture.
03
COLOUR PALETTE
Thousands of glass tesserae transformed the mosaic into a permanent artwork.
04
INSTALLED
The completed mosaic
made up of hundreds of pieces of glass tesserae
Designed for the Architecture
The commission was conceived as part of the building rather than an artwork added afterwards.
Working alongside the architects drawings the dimensions, sight-lines and proportions were carefully considered, so that the mosaic would become the natural focal point when approaching the entrance.
The finished piece draws visitors towards the front door while framing the view through the courtyard.
Project Journey
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Project Atlantic Wave
Location Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
Commission Private Residence
Material Hand-cut Italian Glass
Technique Indirect method
Installation Exterior feature wall
Lighting Intergrated uplighting
Inspired by Mawgan Porth cliffs & Atlantic surf
Inspiration
Mawgan Porth Cliffs
Architecture
Mosaic in Progress
Installed Artwork
"Inspired by the Atlantic Ocean,
created for a family whose lives are shaped by the sea"